Shimek Forest Campground
00 review33653 Route J56, Farmington, Iowa, 52626, United States
Shimek Forest Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are explicitly mentioned for the campsites. All campsites are first-come, first-serve with no reservations in most units.
About this campground
Spanning more than 9,000 acres across five distinct units, Shimek State Forest invites outdoor enthusiasts into a tapestry of Iowa's natural heritage. Here, towering oak-hickory forests give way to sun-dappled hardwood groves, while restored prairie patches bloom alongside carefully managed conifer plantations. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem, where white-tailed deer bound through morning mist and songbirds fill the canopy with their calls. Whether you're seeking solitude on winding hiking trails, challenging yourself on mountain bike paths, or enjoying a family picnic beneath ancient oaks, Shimek offers an authentic escape into nature. Equestrians will find miles of dedicated trails to explore, while anglers can test their skills in quiet forest waters—though swimmers should note there are no designated swimming areas within the forest.
The camping accommodations are focused on nonmodern, primitive camping, especially catering to equestrian campers. First-come, first-serve sites dominate, with water hydrants, pit toilets, and gravel parking pads.
Historical SignificanceWithin the peaceful groves of Shimek State Forest lies a remarkable piece of American history. The Croton Unit stands as a silent witness to the Civil War's furthest northern engagement, where the echoes of conflict once rang through these very trees. Today, visitors can walk the same ground where this pivotal moment unfolded, connecting with a chapter of our nation's past while surrounded by the timeless beauty of Iowa's forests.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Shimek State Forest with its own distinctive palette. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering around 33°F during the day and dipping to a crisp 18°F at night—perfect for those who love the quiet beauty of frost-covered trails. Spring awakens the forest with temperatures climbing from the 40s to a pleasant 60°F, accompanied by gentle rains that coax wildflowers from the forest floor. Summer brings warm days reaching into the high 80s°F, ideal for early morning hikes and shaded afternoon picnics. As autumn arrives, the forest erupts in spectacular color while temperatures settle into the comfortable 50s°F, creating perfect conditions for exploration. Occasional winter snows dust the landscape, while spring and summer rains keep the forest lush and vibrant.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of Shimek State Forest offers varied topography that enhances every outdoor adventure, with subtle elevation changes creating diverse microclimates and scenic vistas throughout the forest units.
Natural Features and SceneryShimek State Forest showcases nature's artistry through its remarkable diversity of landscapes. Majestic oak and hickory trees create cathedral-like canopies overhead, their branches intertwining to filter golden sunlight onto the forest floor. In the bottomlands, hardwood timber thrives in rich soil, providing crucial habitat for countless species. Scattered throughout are pockets of native prairie, where tall grasses wave in the breeze and wildflowers paint splashes of color across the landscape. Carefully maintained conifer plantations add evergreen beauty year-round, their neat rows contrasting with the wild beauty of the native forest. This ecological mosaic supports an impressive array of wildlife—from melodious songbirds and majestic raptors to graceful deer and elusive forest mammals that call these woods home.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of southeast Iowa, Shimek State Forest exemplifies the region's rich natural heritage. This ecological crossroads brings together the best of Iowa's landscapes—from the classic oak-hickory forests that have dominated these hills for centuries to the remnant prairies that once stretched across the state. The forest's bottomland hardwood areas showcase the fertility of Iowa's river valleys, while thoughtfully placed conifer plantations demonstrate sustainable forest management. This diverse geological canvas supports one of the state's most vibrant wildlife communities, making every visit an opportunity to discover something new in this living testament to Iowa's natural splendor.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has handicap-accessible facilities, including a fishing dock and parking area at Black Oak Lake.
Sites SizeThe campgrounds are described as small, with 11 sites or less at each location.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details about campsite privacy are provided.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations for specific sites are not available.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite ratings or preferences are not mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official check-in time is mentioned.
Check-out
No official check-out time is mentioned.
Stay Limit
Camping is limited by the first-come, first-serve policy. Details on stay limits or consecutive nights are not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit data on guest limits per site.
Groups
No details provided regarding group camping site capacities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of small nonmodern sites (e.g., 11 sites at White Oak Campground, 8 sites at Bitternut Lake Campground) and two equestrian campgrounds in the Lick Creek Unit.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground appears to be open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are applicable as sites are non-reservable.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis with no guaranteed walk-up sites.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are allowed; hence, no cancellation policy applies.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides a range of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Hunting is permitted in areas outside the camping zones, and there are no designated swimming areas.
Hiking
A total of 58.8 miles of hiking trails are available across the multiple units of the forest. The Donnellson Unit has 6.2 miles, the Farmington Unit offers 18.9 miles, the Keosauqua Unit features 7.7 miles, and the Lick Creek Unit has 25 miles of equestrian (and mountain biking) trails.Fishing
Fishing is available in the four lakes located in the Farmington and Donnellson Units. These lakes are stocked with bass, channel catfish, and panfish. Walk-in fishing access is available at White Oak Lake.Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on designated horse trails, offering a unique experience for biking enthusiasts.Boating
A boat ramp is available in the Farmington Unit at Bitternut Lake and in the Donnellson Unit at Shagbark Lake, facilitating boating activities.Wildlife viewing
The forest is home to abundant wildlife, and visitors are encouraged to bring cameras or spotting scopes for bird watching and wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
Snowmobiles are allowed only on designated routes, but ATVs are not permitted anywhere in the forests, trails, or roads.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating activities like kayaking or canoeing could be facilitated by the available boat ramps, but specific mentions are absent.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsNo specific hazards such as wildlife dangers or terrain risks are explicitly mentioned.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Hospital services are located over 10 miles away (e.g., Fort Madison or Keokuk hospitals).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season details are not provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility, but no details about recycling facilities or pickup schedules are provided.
Proximity to water featuresMultiple lakes are nearby (Shagbark Lake, Bitternut Lake, Black Oak Lake, White Oak Lake) offering fishing opportunities but no designated swimming areas.
Common complaintsComplaints are not detailed in the source.
HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.
Campground Map
33653 Route J56, Farmington, Iowa, 52626, United States
Driving directionsTo find the Lick Creek equestrian campgrounds. From Farmington: Travel 4 miles east on Hwy 2 until the Lick Creek Unit road. Turn south go 1 mile. From Donnellson: Travel 6 miles west on Hwy 2 until the Lick Creek Unit road. Turn south go 1 mile.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, with nearby highways such as Hwy 2 providing direct access. Seasonal closures or road challenges are not explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Farmington (1.5 miles), Fort Madison (25 miles), Keokuk (32 miles), Keosauqua (18 miles)
Nearby supplies
Within 1 mile: Church, fuel stations, grocery store, horse rentals, snack shops, firewood vendors. Within 10 miles: Antiquing shops, motels, town amenities. Greater than 10 miles: Golfing and bait/tackle shops.
Camper Reviews
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Last updated August 10, 2025